How To Tell When Your Windows Need Replacing

Everything when purchased new usually is given a warranty when it is new for a given length of time. It could be a limited warranty or a Lifetime warranty. These warranties can be over the tenure many different lengths. However, sometimes a product may last longer than this, so it is important to understand when you actually need to replace something to due to its age is the factor preventing it from operating like it did whenever it was brand new. We will be discussing some of the telltale signs you can look for to determine whether or not you are in need of window replacement.

Drafty windows

Windows have a seal around them which will determine whether or not air, which can be hot or cold, can get it. An easy way to check this is to go to your window during a cold day and stand next to it. If your window is not keeping outside air from staying out of the home as it should, it will feel considerably colder near your windows then it will with a window which operates okay. Windows should not allow any air through your home at an amount you can actively notice.

Condensation

So let's say that you go next to your windows, but cannot tell if they are drafty. There is another way to determine if your windows are no longer operating as they should. Windows are typically double paned and filled with a gas called argon which helps with insulation. But, if you see something such as condensation between the two panes of glass this is a sure sign that your window's seal is no longer operating as it should.

High Energy Bills

During the months of Winter, we tend to run our heater a lot, which will, in turn, raise your electricity or gas bills. If you have checked for drafty windows last year and have not changed your heating and cooling habits but your energy bills have risen this year, check your windows again. They may be the cause of your energy bill to spike in the summer and winter months.

Window Operation

Windows do all sorts of things. They can slide up and down, they can even swing out. This should be and remain a very easy task. If this becomes something difficult to do, this is a definitive sign of the window not acting as it should. Windows which have a wooden frame are at an elevated chance for this, due to the basic characteristics of wood and it's tendency to expand when it draws in moisture.

Contact Us

If you think that your windows are not working as they did when they were new, and would like to schedule for window replacement do not hesitate to contact us immediately by calling at 502-309-3562 or through our online form.

Caring For Your Siding During The Summer

Summer is one of those months that a lot of different people look forward to every single year, however, it is crucial to understand that although students are out of school, and even some people are out of work, that your home never stops working to provide you with adequate shelter. During the summer, this is no different. One could actually run into issues regarding siding during the summer. This ranges from Vinyl Siding melting to traditional wooden siding rotting. take a look below at some of the ways you can protect your siding and your home.

Identifying melting siding is exactly as it sounds, looking for siding which is appearing to "melt", away from the building. In addition to this, it should be easy to spot rotting or damaged wooden siding. Take a look below at some of the ways you can protect your home from the summer heat.

Awnings - Can help to block some of the direct sunlight that can effect your siding.

Trees - Instead of functioning as a source of shade attached to the house, functions as a source of shade for both your home and your yard. This will both protect your siding from damage and keep your yard cool during the hot summer months.

Keep Heat Sources Away - This may go without saying but any heat source such as a fire pit or grill should not be placed directly next to your home or your siding. This can damage your siding and potentially cause a fire.

Cool It Off - If you are experiencing an especially hot summer spraying down your siding with a hose can reduce the amount of heat that it is exposed to.

These are a few of the ways in which you can attempt to shade your siding from the suns rays. This will help quite a bit over doing nothing at all for your siding, but this should not be seen as a cure-all, but merely as a way to support your home in staying in top shape for longer, thus saving you money in the future, with lower maintenance costs. If you are having issues with old or damaged siding or want to replace your existing siding, you can contact us online or by calling 502-309-3562 to schedule a consultation and estimate.

7 Summer Roofing Care Tips

When Summer rolls around every year, the extreme temperatures and other seasonal roof risks may find their way to you, presenting you with roofing problems. To combat potential issues, here are some tips you can follow

Dirty or cluttered gutters. It is essential to make certain that your gutters and other collection systems are clear of all debris.

Be sure to check any skylights, or vents of any kind for clutter. Remove clutter if found.

Be sure to check for any shingles which are worse for wear, and are cracked, or missing from the roof entirely.

It is very important to take note of any mold which appears on the roof.

Make sure that no animals have any entrances through the roof into your home.

Ensure you sealants are still in good shape.

Check ventilation fans to be sure there are not any that aren't functioning.

Trust Our Experts

Of course, we could do this for you, with a Roof inspection. Do not hesitate if you see obvious issues. If this is the case, call us at 502-309-3562 or contact us online to set up a roofing inspeciton.

The 5 Most Common Spring Roofing Problems

Spring is finally here in Kentucky and it's more important now that the weather has started to warm up that you regularly check your roof for signs of damage. Here are the 5 most common spring roofing issues you may experience:

1. Loose or Broken Eaves

Causes: Autumn leaves that were left untouched can pile up on the eaves of your home, slow deterioration of these leaves can lead to clogging and overflow.

Solutions: Regularly clear your eaves of any and all debris that is present there. Check the screws and brackets to ensure they are fastened properly.

2. Animal Lodging

Causes: Loose flashings or siding, corroded facia boards and dormant chimneys are all places critters will seek shelter when the weather starts to warm up.

Solutions: If you have noticed odd noises in your home or have noticed an abnormal amount of wildlife congregating around your home you may have a nesting issue. If you are certain that there is an animal nesting in your roof then you should contact an animal removal service to remove them. After that, you should have a certified roofing company come and inspect your roof and siding for signs of damage.

3. Chimney Deterioration

Causes: Older homes need to have the chimney inspected. A common winter problem is that ice and snow rest on the top of your chimney. If the chimney is old, it is likely to have cracks in the crown When the snow melts during the day, the water runs into those cracks. Temperature drops at night can cause expansion and push the mortar and bricks apart. If this keeps recurring, it can cause your roof to leak and/or cause your chimney to fall off of your house.

Solutions: Have your chimney inspected regularly. If deterioration signs are present, we strongly recommend that you hire a roofing or chimney specialist who is qualified in this area.

4. Active Leaks

Causes: One thing that you’re going to want to look for is if there are any leaks or water damage inside the building. During the winter, snow and often ice stay put and may not melt or become a problem. When spring rolls around, all of the snow and ice begin to melt, and this can cause a leak in your building roof system.

Solutions: If you notice that the ceiling or walls have stains, it is a sign that the roof system probably needs to be repaired as soon as possible. Call our experts to have a professional inspection of your roof completed.

5. Membrane Separation

Causes: A sign to look for when it comes to flat rubber (or other membranes) roof systems on commercial buildings is if you notice that the roof membrane is slowly tearing or peeling away. This can cause serious issues underneath because there is now nothing protecting the building below.

Solutions: This is why a qualified roof inspection is the best way to see if there is any damage done to the roof that would warrant immediate repairs or other non-critical issues with the roof membrane.

How Temperature Fluctuations Affect Your Roof

Kentucky weather can be unpredictable, especially around this time of year when the temperatures can range from below freezing to warm and sunny. You never know what to leave your house in, let alone how your home is holding up to these temperature fluctuations.

Our experts at Sawyer Roofing have helped thousands of homeowners repair and replace their worn out or damaged roofs over the years. Our team knows that roofs behave differently depending on the temperature. It is important for roof repairs to be performed as soon as possible before any temperature fluctuations start to mess with the structural integrity of your roof. So how exactly do temperature fluctuations affect your roof? Read more to learn about how changing temperatures can affect your roof.

Your Roof Is Elastic

Though it may seem weird to make the connection between something as seemingly solid as your homes roof and elastic behavior, it's true. Think of the components of your roof like a rubber band. Extremely hot weather can cause your roof to expand a bit, while cold weather causes it to shrink. Often this is referred to as 'thermal shock' because the expansion and contraction can cause your roof to crack in places it wouldn't normally.

How Does Temperature Fluctuation Damage My Roof?

Expansion and contraction that happens in temperature fluctuations can take a toll on your roof. Joints can crack, seams can tear loose, and roofing materials can break down and deteriorate due to the weather. If you notice any roof repairs that may need to be made, don’t wait! Call Sawyer Roofing today so we can help brace your roof for the temperatures to come!

How Do We Fix It?

Older roofs, or roofs that are compromised by damage, can be thought of as very weak and brittle rubber bands. Comparing your roof to a brittle rubber band probably doesn’t make you as a homeowner feel very safe, does it? That’s why it’s so important to take care of any roof damages, including curling or missing shingles, right when you notice them. Our roofing experts at Sawyer Roofing encourage our clients to notify us as soon as they notice an area of the roof that looks compromised. Roofs that are 15 to 20 years old should also be inspected for their solidity especially around this time of year in Florida.